He told cheering supporters that Americans must now unite and "bind the wounds of division", after a gruelling, acrimonious campaign.

Global markets fell sharply at the news, but later recovered somewhat.

Outgoing President Barack Obama has congratulated Mr Trump and has invited him to a meeting at the White House on Thursday to discuss the transition.Around the world, leaders and the media have been reacting to America's election upset:

Germany's foreign minister said the outcome would make things "more difficult', with US foreign policy "less predictable"

Russian President Vladimir Putin - for whom Mr Trump has voiced support but who Democrats accused of election meddling - said he hoped ties could improve from their current "critical condition"

The European Union said close co-operation with the US was the only way to deal with "unprecedented challenges" around the world Mr Trump, 70, will take office in January with a Republican-dominated Congress, as Democrats were unable to wrest control of the Senate in the general election.